Physiatrists provide a comprehensive approach in the diagnosis and management of disorders that involve muscles, joints, and the nervous system. Your physiatrist works with you towards achieving a goal of returning to and maintaining your best physical health and ability to participate in life to the full potential.
As medical doctors, physiatrists diagnose conditions and prescribe therapies, working closely with your physical therapist and other specialists. Together, we work to bring back your ability to carry out day-to-day functions with as little pain and as much mobility as possible.
How we can help
Cheshire’s physiatrists can help you deal with any number of disabling conditions, often toward full recovery, including these:
- Amputation
- Brain injury
- Cerebral palsy
- Chronic pain from arthritis or other sources
- Complex orthopedic injuries
- Neurologic diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis
- Stroke
- Spinal cord injury
- Workplace injury
These injuries and illnesses can affect function in many aspects of day to day life including:
- Carrying out self-care activities such as bathing and dressing
- Moving safely within the home and community
- Engaging in recreational activities
- Carrying out school or work responsibilities
- Fulfilling family roles including care giving responsibilities
- Maintaining emotional well-being and social connections
Your personalized care plan
Your physiatrist understands that chronic pain and reduced mobility can affect your life in many ways, including your emotional well-being. We focus on you as a whole person, not just on a specific condition.
We undertake comprehensive evaluations with care, talk through your lifestyle and goals, and answer any questions, no matter how minor. Working with physical therapists and other specialists, we look for the most effective way to help you recover your best health and happiness.
Your care team may also include:
- Behavioral Health specialists
- Psychologists
- Social workers
- Neurologist
- Rehabilitation specialists
- Occupational therapists
- Physical therapists
- Speech and language pathologists
- Your Primary Care team
Treatment options are tailored to your needs and can include recommendations or prescriptions for:
- Lifestyle management including exercise and diet guidance
- Medications and medication management
- Interventional methods
- Trigger point injections
- Joint injections
- Nerve blocks
- Therapeutic use of Botox
- Braces or artificial limbs
- Special equipment such as wheelchairs
- Referral for therapies or other services